Your equipment shed has enough gear to help you shred, hike, ski, climb, run or bike any terrain. But can you drive it?
Here are the 4×4 parts and accessories suggested by Best of NOCO winners that will allow your vehicle to look and play as Colorado as you do.
Lift kits and tires
The rocky roads that lead to your favorite camping spot or 14er generally demand clearance. Lift kits can help, says Susan Butters, who owns Bullhide 4X4 & Auto Accessories in Fort Collins with her husband, Scott.
“They let you access those back woods and the spots hardest to get to,” she says.
Paint protection film
A clear, urethane film applied to your vehicle’s paint acts as an invisible barrier against tree branches, door dings and those small rocks that coat Colorado’s highways. This upgrade is one of the biggest sellers for Autoplex Window Tinting & Truck Accessories in Loveland, says Randy Gonzalez, director of sales and marketing.
“It also protects from all the sunny days we get here,” he says.
Winches
A winch gives you the ability to rescue your vehicle from predicaments caused by driving in the backcountry, like getting stuck in ditches or deep potholes or finding yourself centered on a rock. In those situations, you can pull your vehicle out of trouble with a winch or rescue someone else since it’s mounted on the front of your vehicle.
“From light trails to tough recoveries, a winch is a must-have for serious off-roading,” says Ross Houk, owner of Fort Collins 4X4.
Bullhide 4×4 & Auto Accessories
Lights
Upgrading your vehicle’s lights can help you see on the pitch-dark roads you’ll encounter in the mountains as well as cut through snow, fog and rain, Butters says.
Bumpers
Aftermarket bumpers allow you to mount a winch and brighter lights to your vehicle to help you recover from problems and see well enough to avoid them. They’re also generally stronger and help protect vehicles from what off-roading requires.
“Get trail-ready for anything Colorado throws your way,” Houk says.
Toppers, roof racks and tonneau covers
Truck toppers can protect your cargo from bad weather and even act as a makeshift tent while camping. Roof racks may be better for carrying bulky items such as bikes, paddleboards, kayaks and ski and snowboarding equipment.
“We can help you find the one that is right for your needs,” Butter says, “and your adventures.”
Gonzalez also recommends tonneau covers, which are low-profile rigid or soft-shell covers that create an enclosed cargo space. While tonneau covers are generally more affordable than truck toppers and offer easier access and installation, toppers offer more security, customization and storage.
Leather seats
This luxurious item might not sound like a good fit for the messy outdoors, but Gonzalez says it’s one of Autoplex’s most popular upgrades because it can incorporate a heating or cooling element to help you relax after a big day.
“People don’t want to spend $20,000 on the upgrade package at the dealer,” he says, “when all they want is the leather seats.”
